Temporomandibular Disorder

Definition

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a painful condition of the joint in the jaw. The temporomandibular joints are the small joints in front of each ear. They attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. The disorder may affect the joint in the jaw or the muscles surrounding it. The disorder can include:

Prevention

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders). National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/TMJ. Updated July 10, 2014. Accessed February 22, 2017.

Temporomandibular disorders. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website. Available at:
http://www.aaoms.org/images/uploads/pdfs/tmj%5Fdisorders.pdf. Published 2013. Accessed February 6, 2017.